CHICAGO – A form of intimidation sometimes used by law enforcement is no longer permitted in Illinois. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), the sponsor of the law banning the practice, believes that the threat of a of background checks deters public participation for important hearings.
“Public safety belongs to the people, which means that the people should be able to share their opinion at public hearings and meetings,” Peters said. “This is especially true of police board meetings. Law enforcement using background checks to intimidate people from participating in the very hearings that will hold them accountable should set off red flags for everyone as something that should not be permitted to happen.”
Read more: Law enforcement intimidation tactics limited under new Peters law
SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that will ensure local sales tax revenue approved by Winnebago county voters is used for mental health and substance abuse resources.
“The voters spoke. They said they want this money to go towards mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. I want to ensure it does,” Stadelman said.
SPRINGFIELD – University administrators will no longer be able to exploit loopholes in the law by receiving massive payouts, or “golden parachutes,” after leaving their positions under a new law introduced by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).
Lawmakers passed the Government Severance Pay Act in 2018 to limit the amount paid in university severance packages. Murphy’s measure strengthens the act by expanding the definition of severance pay and defining limits on compensation.
Read more: New Murphy law cracks down on lavish severance packages for university administrators
SPRINGFIELD – To keep families safe from gun violence, a measure strengthening the Firearms Restraining Order Act sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) was signed into law today.
“Strengthening red flag laws will keep families safe when a household member shouldn’t have a gun,” Gillespie said. “This new law gives our partners in law enforcement the tools they need to intervene before a tragedy can occur.”
Read more: Gillespie measure to strengthen “red flag” laws signed
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